GaryAA

We’ve stayed at the Embassy Suites near the airport. They have a shuttle and allow parking. 

I usually get one plan for 2 or 3 devices, my wife forgets the passwords so login all of the devices with one password

4 hours ago, DunkelBierJay said:

Even if you don't notify Royal of this, and you are the only one who checks in, there will be a port taxes and fees refund put on account for the person who doesn't go. Otherwise, the charge remains for double occupancy with no changes.

If you don’t notify Royal, you may not get the extra C&A points for being a solo traveler. Maybe someone can jump in here and answer. 

We’ve stayed at the Radisson in Cocoa Beach several times. The rooms are just okay. They do have some larger rooms with 2 king beds and a pull out sofa bed. The waterfall pool and pool bar are nice though. They also have several shuttle vans to the port too.

You might check with Royal Caribbean special needs and see if they have interpreters available on some ships. I saw an interpreter on the Odyssey last March but they may have traveled with a group. I really doubt they have interpreters available but it wouldn’t hurt to ask. I know from teaching the deaf that amplification does not always help.

Thanks for posting Matt! We had a cabana on South Beach in 2019 back when they were cheaper

We always get a cabin near the aft elevators on deck 8 (Oasis class). We like using the Central Park to get to the forward elevators when we need to. We use the aft elevators the most (Windjammer, MDR, Coastal Kitchen). There hasn’t been noise issues being close to the elevators.

We stayed at the Marriott Waterfront which is close to many things such as Pike Place Market. The Celebrity terminal is across the street. The Marriott had a contracted shuttle service that took us to the port.

We usually book ship excursions too but the overnight stay gives you the flexibility to try something on your own the first day.

We used a Blue Flag taxi (certified guide) on our first day. We used a guy named Millard Lightbourne, an older gentleman that was very knowledgeable about Bermuda. We had him for 4 hours on a personal tour of Bermuda. The trip cost was reasonable and gave us ideas where to go on our second day in Bermuda.

Last February it was Nadja. I got an email on the Monday before the cruise

50 minutes ago, WAAAYTOOO said:

…and SCUBA diving. Don’t forget SCUBA

That’s where I did the discover scuba excursion and got hooked on diving. Our Odyssey trip last month had Grand Cayman cancelled. 

Look at your cruise planner for that sailing and see if they have the PADI Re-Activate refresher option. Basically you will do an online refresher class then demonstrate diving skills in the pool on your first full day at sea. It is worth it because PADI will issue a new “C” card noting your refresher class.

We have done 3 double points cruises in suites and will be at 331 points by December. Pinnacle is still a looooong way off though.

Are you looking for a bargain priced hotel or a resort style hotel on the beach? 

8 hours ago, Templecruiser said:

We had well over 20 MPH winds in March and swells were so bad, they delayed offloading for over a hr. They had to call to see if it was worth staying docked. But they got the OK and we got off a hr. late, but stayed a extra hr. On dock side, no one stayed as winds were coming from that direction and were brutal. We were at breezy bay, and wasn't to bad. The wind did calm a bit, so it turned out a nice day, but the sun was out. If cloudy, might not turn out nice.

Yes, I was on that cruise too and was watching us dock, it took the Captain 3 attempts to dock.

On 3/21/2022 at 9:44 AM, DisneyGal52 said:

We are having the same issue.  Had diving excursion booked for 6 months for our June cruise, but then RCCL cancelled it.  I have been checking regularly, but they have not posted any other dive options.  Is Buddy Dive near the port?  We have always booked our dives through the cruise line so we are a bit hesitant.

 

Please post your experience in Bonaire after cruising in June. My trip is not until December though.

I’m anxious to hear what others say about this place. They are my backup if the eMed tests don’t work. I’m flying to Ft Lauderdale tomorrow.

We are on the March 26th cruise also. I’m planning on doing a shore dive with an outfit called The Dive Bus. There is a resort and casino next door called Sunscape. I’m hoping to get a day pass there for my wife to hangout while I dive. The reef is in front of the resort so the snorkeling should be good. Day passes are available for $112 for 10am- 6:00pm

I always bring a travel size power strip (2 electrical outlets, 3 USB) and have not had an issue. It is in my backpack when I board the ship.

I bring a 14” fan every cruise (I’m a light sleeper). Only once in 24 cruises was I questioned about it but they did not take it or anything. I have thought about asking the cabin steward though for a box fan.

We were just on the Symphony 2 weeks ago and the December 4th sailing. We had the same waiter for both trips in CK. On the most recent sailing, he recognized us and switched with another waiter the first night and took over. We tipped him at the end of the week just like in the MDR. We also tipped others including one of the chefs that prepared me a vegetable plate each night. As far as dress, what you mentioned would be fine. I wore dockers with a button down shirt in the evening and shorts at breakfast/lunch. There were some that dressed up more in the evening but a few others wore shorts in the evening. BTW, we had beach cabana #2 at Barefoot Beach that we enjoyed but it was $599. 

There is a COVID test center just outside door #11 in the Central Terminal (baggage claim level). The cost is $79 and no appointment is necessary.

We did the same route on the Ovation last August and had a great time. We stayed at the Seattle Marriott Waterfront for a few days before the cruise and was able walk to Pike Place Market. The Celebrity terminal was across the street so we saw their ships dock too.

The Homewood Suites is nice. We have also stayed at the Radisson Inn. It’s an older property but has a nice waterfall pool, outdoor bar, and on-site restaurant. Both hotels have shuttles. If you like beer, the Florida Beer company has brewery tours and beer tastings. It is located behind the Homewood Suites.